Elevating grader



Nov. 20, 1934.

J. B. GREEN ET AL.

ELEVATING GRADER Filed April 6, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet l NM. 20, 1934. BfGRE-EN AL 1,981,170

ELEVATING GRADER Filed April 6, 1932 6 Sheets-g 2 Ik llllllll a 1934. J. B. GREEN ET AL ELEVATING GRADER Filed April 6, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Nov. 26, 1934. J, B. GREEN El AL 1,981,170

ELEVATING GRADER Filed April 6, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 NE w? 'Nov, 20, 193 J. B. GREEN ET AL ELEVATING GRADEH Filed April 6, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 MM.lwll 11w $1M h i W PKN Patented Nov. 20, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE- ELEVATHN G GRADER James B. Green and John M. Rathmell, Aurora, 111., assignors, by mesne assignments, to Western-Austin Company, Aurora, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application April 6, 1932, Serial No. 603,460

9 Claims. (01. 37-110) The present invention relates to elevating grad- One of the principal objects of the present iners which excavate or plow up the soil and elevate vention is to provide an improved frame structure it for dumping into wagons traveling alongside for thesevelevating graders, wherein a large pro or in proximity to the grading machine. These portion of the stresses of the plow and of the .5; machines are extensively used in grading a roadelevator are borne as torsion loads on a torque 60 way preparatory to paving a road or street, and tube. This torque tube comprises a heavy steel are used in other like excavating operations. tube forming the backbone of theframe, and The two fundamental elements of such a mapractically all of the vertically acting forces of chine are the grading plow which breaks and the plow and of the elevator are translated into 10.; turns up the soil, and the elevator which receives torsional stresses which are sustained by the high 651 this soil from the plow and elevates it up to a, torsional strength of the tube. This torque tube delivery point where the soil is discharged into a represents the strongest form in which a given wagon or truck traveling adjacent to the grader. weight of metal can be used. These two elements, the plow and the elevator, Another object of the invention is to provide 15.;create exceptionally severe stresses in the frame improved power actuatedmeans for vertically ad- 70 of the machine, tending to rack. and distort it. justing the position of the grading plow; also to The plow in being drawn through hard, stony or provide improved power actuated means for veruneven ground develops varying stresses in diftically adjusting the discharging height of the ferent directions which are likely to have a heavy outer end of the elevator. In the case of the 1racking effect on the frame. For example, the ordinary manually actuated mechanism for rais- 75 suction of the plow under certain settings or uning and lowering the plow'and the elevator, it reder certain soil conditions may develop a heavy quires considerable exertion on the part of the downward thrust, and under other settings or operator to raise and lower these devices, parother soil conditions may develop a large upward ticularly to raise or lower the plow for rapidly 251thrust. Moreover, in encountering embedded obtaining a different plowing depth or for en- 8Q,

stones, boulders and heavy roots the plow may abling the plow to clear obstructions during the be suddenly deflected upwardly or downwardly or continued forward travel of the machine. The. sidewise. In its customary or preferred location, present improved power actuated mechanism the plow is disposed at one side of the frame, and avoids this exertion and relatively slow operation this results in the aforesaid stresses setting up by providing mechanism which is operative to, 85..

large bending moments and other strains tendraise or lower either the plow or the elevator by ing to distort the frame. the quick, simple manipulation of suitable clutch The elevator, likewise, creates heavy stresses and directional controls. in the main frame. In its customary or preferred Another object of the invention is to provide location, the elevator projects outwardly from the an improved construction of elevating grader 90 side of the frame, on the side thereof opposite to which can be quickly and easily converted from the side at which the plow is disposed, for cona type wherein all power for driving the aforesaid veying the plowed dirt up to a delivery point power actuated adjusting mechanism and for above a wagon or truck traveling alongside the driving the elevator belt is derived from an engine Igrader. The elevator is of considerable projectmounted directly on the grader, to a type where- 95,

ing length, and the overhanging weight thereof in this power for actuating the adjusting mechaimposes heavy stresses on the main frame. Added nism'and the elevator belt is derived from a takethereto are the varying stresses produced by varyoff attachment transmitting power through a roing weights of dirt being carried to the outer tating shaft from the tractor or other pulling &- end of the elevator, and the inertia stresses set vehicle to the grader. 100' up in the overhanging end resulting from the jolt- Other objects and advantages of the invening effect of the wheels passing over uneven tion will appear in the following detail descripground. The racking effect of these various tion of a preferred embodiment thereof. In the stresses developing from the plow and from the accompanying drawings illustrating such emelevator have heretofore made it difficult to debodiment: 105

sign a conventional beam and rail type of frame Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the complete which would stand up under long continued servconstruction of one form of our invention; ice in these elevating graders, and in some in- Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional View through stances the difficulties of sustaining such stresses this form of construction, taken on a' plane just have limited the capacity of the machine. forward of the elevator; 9

resisting beam or tube.

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on a plane through the forward, portion of the frame, illustrating the same general construction as Figs. 1 and 2 except that it is modified by the provision of the power actuated mechanism for raising and lowering the plow and the elevator;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary "plan view illustrating the principal parts of the power actuated mechanism for adjusting the plow and the elevator;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the torque tube which constitutes the backbone of the frame, this view illustrating some of the attachment brackets secured to said tube;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the principal parts of the main frame mounted on the torque tube;

Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the driving and control connections used in the power actuated mechanism for adjusting the plow and for adjusting the elevator;

"Fig. 8 is a longitudinal detail sectional view through the power take-off connections employed when take-off power istransmitted from the tractor to the grader, and

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary detail view of a modified arrangement wherein the adjusting mechanism for the plowand for the elevator can be actuated selectively either by power or manually.

Referring to Fig. 1,"the machine comprises a main frame, designated 14 in its entirety, which is mounted on front wheels 15 and'rear wheels 16.

In the preferred construction shown, the machine is of the tractor pulled type, such being desirable for large capacity operation, and in such construction the front wheels 15 are mounted on a swinging truck 17 adapted for draft attachment to the tractor; however, it willbe understood from the following description, that numerous features of our invention are also capable of embodiment in self-propelled graders wherein the propelling engine is mounted directly on the grader, and in constructions where the front wheels 15 have swiveled steering knuckle mounted on a front,

axle. The grading-plow is generally indicated at 18 and the'elevator is indicated at 19, the plow being disposed at one side of the frame 14, and the major length of the elevator 19 projecting laterally from the other side of the frame. In the preferred construction 'the discharging end of the elevator apparatus is disposed laterally of the frame for side loading, although it will be understood that certain features of our invention are also applicable to elevating graders of the type wherein the elevator apparatus is arranged for end loading into a vehicle in front or in rear of the grader- .1 1

Referring now to the manner of building the main frame 14, and with particular reference to Figs. 5 and '6, the backbone of the frame compris'es the aforesaid torque tube 21 shown as a heavy steel tube extending substantially from end to end of the'fram'e and disposed substantially medially between the sides of the frame. This torque tube is preferably a: length of cylindrical pipe as illustrated, although it might be of square or any polygonal cross section and might be built up of longitudinal channels, angle bars, Z bars or other sections, possibly joined by longitudinally extendingplates, to form in'efiect a tubular torque Rigidly secured to the front end of said tube'is a J -shaped' steelmember 22 which extends downwardly and forwardly for supporting a king pin 23 which establishes a ball and socket joint 23a'with the front wheel truck 17. This member 22 may lbela steel castingior it with transverse frame structures.

may be built up of sections riveted or welded together. The cylindrical hub portion 22a formed at the upper end of the member 22 and slipping over the tube 21 is shown as being riveted to said tube, although it may be welded to the tube if desired. Rigidly secured to said tube at different points back along its length'are three brackets or fins 24, 25 and 26 which establish connection The hub or sleeve portions 24a, 25a and 26a of said brackets are preferably welded to the tube, although they may be riveted to the tube similarly to the hub 220.. These brackets 24, 25 and 26 may be castings, substantially as shown, or they may be flat plates provided with holes to slip over the torque 90 tube 21 and welded to said tube. Radiating from the attachment brackets 24, 25 and 26 are the transverse frame structures 27, 28 and 29. The front and intermediate transverse frame structures 27 and 28 are quite similar in that they each comprise relatively long vertical frame bars 27a, 28a at the right hand side, relatively short vertical bars 27?), 28b at the left hand side, transverse top bars-27c, 28c extending, between said vertical bars, and central vertical bars 27d, 28d projecting 100 downwardly from the attachment brackets 24 and 25. The ends of the top transverse bars 270, 280 are secured to the vertical bars by gusset plates 27c, 28c and extending inwardly from said gusset plates at each corner are diagonal brace bars 27 28f which have their inner ends riveted or-otherwise secured to attaching lugs or the like 24f, 25f projecting from the attachment brackets 24 and 25, Fig. 5. Lower horizontal bars 27g, 28g have their inner ends suitably secured to the attachment brackets 24, 25 and project outwardly on each side thereof for attachment to the vertical bars 27a, 28a and 27b, 28b. Horizontal bars 27h, 28h also project from the lower ends of. the central bars 27d, 28d and extend laterally to the right where they are secured by suitable gusset plates to the right hand frame bars 27a, 28a. Diagonal brace bars 2'72, 281' extend from the latter gusset plates inwardly for attachment to flange portions of the brackets 24, 25. Diagonal brace bars 277', 287' also extend fromthe lower ends of the central bars 27d, 28d diagonally downwardly to the lower ends of the right hand bars 27a, 28a; and corresponding brace bars 27k, 28k extend from this central bar upwardly and connect with the lower ends of the left hand vertical bars 27b, 28b.

It will be seen from the foregoing that each of the two frames 27 and 28 is rigidly reenforced against vertically acting stresses by the torque tube .21. That is to say, any vertically acting stresses, exerted either upwardly or downwardly on the right hand side or, the left hand side or intermediate points of either of said frame structures is translated into a torsion stress acting through the bars 27d, 271, 27g, 272', etc. to the brackets 24, 25 where such torsional stresses :are sustained by the great torsional strength of the tube 21. 1

The rear transverse frame structure 29 comprises horizontal bars 29a projecting outwardly from attachmentflanges on therear bracket 26.

At the right and left hand sides of said rear frame structure vertical bars 29b are secured to the ends of the upper horizontal bars 29a, these vertical bars 29b preferably each consisting of a pair of 145, angle bars secured-together back to back. Joining the ends of said vertical bars is a lower horizontal barassembly, 290, the latteralso preferably consisting of two angle bars secured together back to back. .Apair of diagonal brace bars 2911,15

is provided at each side of said frame, being secured to a lower gusset plate connecting the bars 291), 29c and extending diagonally upwardly for attachment to the flange structure of the attachment bracket 26. The rear axle 31, preferably a dead axle, on which the rear wheels 16 are journaled, is suitably bolted to the underside of the lower horizontal bar assembly 290. A pair of reenforcing angle bars 32 may also be suitably secured onto said axle, preferably by the same bolts which secure the axle to the lower bar assem-- bly 290, as indicated in Figure 6. The rear frame structure 29 serves primarily to connect the rear axle 31 with the torque tube 21, and it will be seen from the foregoing that vertical forces incident to the right and left hand rear wheels jolting up and down in passing over uneven ground are borne principally as a torsion reaction in the tube 21. Fore and aft forces acting against the lower portion of the frame 29 are resisted by diagonal brace bars 33 and 34 on the right hand side extending from the lower portion of said frame forwardly to vertically spaced points of attachment on the intermediate frame bar 28a,

- and on the left hand side by a like diagonal bar 33 extending upwardly and forwardly to the intermediate frame bar 28b; these forces are also resisted by two bars 35 which have their rear ends secured to the axle structure, at points adjacent to the vertical frame bars 29?), and which converge inwardly and forwardly and have their front ends secured to the torque tube bracket 25. As shown in dotted lines in Fig. 6, the front end of each diagonal bar 35 has an attaching flange 35a which is bolted, riveted or welded to the tube bracket 25. Horizontal frame bars 36 may also extend from the upper sides of the rear frame 29 forwardly to points of attachment on the intermediate frame 28.

All three frames 27, 28 and 29 are preferably tied together and to the front end of the torque tube 21 by longitudinally extending side bars 37, 37a. The intermediate portions of said side bars are suitably secured to the frame structures 27 and 28 and the forward portions of said bars conment to the upper corners of the rear frame structure 29. The forward portion of the right hand bar 3'7 is Vertically braced by a diagonal bar 39 extending down to the lower end of the vertical frame bar 27a, and the forward portion of the companion bar 37a is braced (Fig. 1) by a diagonal bar 39a extending to the lower end of the frame bar 27!). At the right hand side of the frame structure the two lower corners of the transverse frames 27 and 28 are longitudinally braced by a brace bar 41, and at the left hand side of the frame the lower corners of these same transverse frames are braced longitudinally by a horizontal bar 42 which is extended rearwardly for attachment to the rear transverse frame 29.

As previously remarked, the pin 23 mounted in the lower end of the front casting 22 has a ball 23a at its lower end which seats in a spherical socket provided in the transverse axle portion 171]. of the front truck 17, whereby all steering movement occurs around this ball and socket joint. as well as transverse rocking movement of the truck relatively to the frame. It will therefore be seen that the main frame, and its torque tube 21, has a three point support, one point at the aforesaid ball and socket joint and the other two points at the rear wheels 16, 16.

The plow 18 may be of the disk or of the moldboard type, the disk type being preferred, however'. The plow is adjustably supported on a plow beam 44 which in turn is also adjustably carried by the main frame. The disk element is mounted on a bracket 45, relatively to which the disk can be rotatably adjusted for presenting new cutting edges to the ground, and the bracket 45 is secured to a bar 46 depending from the draft beam 44. A diagonal brace bar 4'7 extends from the lower end of the vertical bar 46 up to a'bracket 43 secured to the rear end of the plow beam. Said vertical bar 46 has adjustable connection with the plow beam 44 for enabling the plow to .be adjusted forwardly or rearwardly along the length of the beam, the diagonal brace bar 4'7 having its point of connection to the bracket 48 also correspondingly adjustable forwardly or rearwardly. The lower end of the diagonal brace bar 47 is connected with the lower portion of the plow supporting bar 46 by a shearable pin or bolt 49 of predetermined size. In the event of the plow striking some immovable obstruction this pin or bolt 49 will shear, allowing the plow and its supporting arm 46 to swing back for clearing the obstruction. Adjustably secured to the forward end of the plow beam 44 is a vertical standard 51 carrying a runner or deflecting shoe 52 at its lower end. This runner functions as a deflector for enabling the plow to pass over large obstructions, and may also be used as a-gauge element for maintaining a desired depth of grading cut by the plow. The outside tread widths of the wheels 15, 16 are preferably such as to cause the adjacent front wheel 15 to run in the furrow or graded level made by the previous trip of the machine and to cause the adjacent rear wheel 16 to run in the new furrow or graded level directly behind the plow 16. a

The lateral position of the plow beam 44 is maintained by two transversely extending beams 54 which have operative connection with the plow beam at points forwardly and rearwardly of the plow. Fig. 3 illustrates the forward one of these transverse beams, both of which extend across the width of the frame and have their farther ends passing through mounting openings 55 (Fig. 6) at the right hand side of the frame structure. Said openings are formed in suitable bracket plates 56 attached to the vertical frame bars 270. and 28a, the front bracket plate 56 also being secured to a vertical bar 57 extending downwardly from the longitudinal bar 37. Outwardly projecting side flanges 58 on opposite sides of each opening 55 are apertured to receive a connecting pin 59 which is adapted to pass through any one of a series of holes 61 (Fig. 3) ingthis end of a transverse beam 54. Referring to'Fig. 3, the connection between each transverse beam 54 and the longitudinal plow beam 44 is preferably established by a pin 63 projecting from the end of the transverse beam and passing through an apertured lug 64 extending down from the plow beam; and also by an extensible and contractible link 65 comprising inner and outer telescoping link sections, the lower link section being pivotally connected to a bracket 66 projecting from the transverse beam and the upper link section being pivoted to a bracket 6'? secured to the top of the longitudinal plow beam 44. A pin 68 may be employed to secure the two link sections in any linear adjustment for the purpose of inclining the plow beam 44 at any desired angle relatively15g to the transverse beams 54, the mounting of the apertured lug 64 on the pin 63 affording sufficient play to accommodate such rocking movement. The connection of the plow beam to the rear transverse beam 54 is substantially a duplication of that just described.

Draft force is transmitted to the plow mounting parts by a draft link 71 which has a clevis '72 at its rear end pivotally connected to a stirrup 73 which in turn is pivotally connected with the front transverse beam 54. The front end of the draft link 71 has a clevis like the clevis 72 which is pivotally connected with a diagonal bracket 75 rigidly secured to the J-shaped front casting 22. A turnbuckle '76 in the link '71 enables the length of this link to be adjusted. Such draft connection does not interfere with the lowering and elevating movement of the plow beam 44 and transverse beams 54.

The vertical position of the plow 18 is governed by front and rear adjusting connections 81 and 82 .(Fig. 1)' which have operative connection with the plow beam 44 at points forwardly and rearwardly of the plow.v The rear connection 82 pref ierably consists of a bar or link having a ball and socket connection 83 with a bracket fixture projecting inwardly. from the rear portion of the plow beam. This rear bar 82 functions as a stiff leg through which the plow can be raised or through which pressure can be forcibly exerted downwardly on the plow for forcing it into the ground. It is through this stiff leg 82 that the power actuated adjusting mechanism operates for raising and lowering the plow, as we shall .'.hereinafter describe. The adjustable front connection 81 may likewise comprise a stiff member, but in the preferred construction it comprises a chain looping down around a sheave 85 which has its clevis pivoted to the plow beam 44. One end "of this chain loop has fixed attachment to a frame structure 86 comprising three bars projecting out over the beam. The other end. of said chain passes upwardly over a sheave 87 (Fig. 4) on said frame structure 86 and thence extends 'Zbackwardly for winding about a transverse shaft 88. Said shaft may be arranged to rotate in one direction or the other for raising or lowering the front portion of the plow beam 44 under the control of mechanism such as a worm and worm wheel or a pawl and ratchet lever 89 and suitable controlling dogs or pawls.

The elevator 19 has a frame comprising spaced side channels 91 suitably reenfo-rced by cross bracing members, and carrying a head roller 92 at its upper end and a foot roller 93 at its lower end around which travels the conveying belt 94. A spring actuated idler roller 95 presses upwardly against the return run of the belt directly back of the head roller 92. The lower end of the ele- -.'.vator receives the dirt directly from the plow 18, and sideboards 96 confine the dirt on the upwardly traveling run of the belt as it is carried up to the delivery point. The elevator inclines downwardly through the large opening or bay 98 defined between the front and intermediate frame structures 27, 28, as shown in Fig. 6. The lower portion'of the elevator frame has vertically swingtions between said link bars and the frame being ing'connection with the main frame, established by swinging'links 101 (Fig. 2) arranged at each "side of the elevator frame and having their swinging ends pivotally connected with brackets 102 secured to each side of the elevator frame and having their opposite ends pivotally mounted in U-shaped brackets 103, which latter brackets are 's ecured to the vertical frame bars 27a and 28a of the front and intermediate transverse frame structures27 and 28. A wide ground engaging sliding along the ground in immediate proximity to the plow 18, this runner or shoe extending rearwardly under the foot roller 93 to protect the latter and the belt 94 from the ground, and in some instances to sustain part of the weight of this end of the elevator on the ground. Preferably the front end of the runner 106 is connected by a plate 107 with the forward sideboard 96, as shown in Figure 1, and the rear end of the runner may be connected to either the rear sideboard 96 or the rear channel 91. Flexible link connections 108 are. established between the front end of this runner 106 and front portions of the main frame to sustain any fore and aft forces acting against this lower end of the elevator. Similar connections may be attached between the rear end of the runner 106 and the main frame.

Vertical adjustments of the elevator are ef-- fectedthrough a lower pair of chains 111 connect ing with the lower portion of the elevator, and through an upper pair of chains 112 connecting with the upper and intermediate portions of the elevator. Referring to Fig. 3, the lower chains 111 are disposed one at each side of the elevator frame and each chain is reeved around a sheave 114 connected'to the elevator and around a sheave- 115 suspended from the frame. The take-up end of each chain is wound around a longitudinally extending shaft 116 rotatably supported on the transverse frame structures 27 and 28. Any suitable actuating mechanism is operatively connected with said shaft for causing rotation thereof in one direction or the other to raise or lower this end of the elevator frame. An operators platform 121 'is provided at the rear end of the machine, extending from the intermediate frame structure 28 to the rear frame structure 29, and this actuating mechanism for turning the shaft 116 is disposed for convenient operation from said platform. 7

Referring now to the upper pair of chains 112, it will be seen; from Fig. 4 that the take-up ends of these two chains both wind upon a rotatable adjusting shaft 122 which is suitably journaled in bearings 123 and 124 supported on the horizontal 125- top rails 27c and 280 of the front and intermediate frame structures 2'7, 28. From this windup shaft, the two chains extend upwardly and outwardly over idler sheaves 125 rotatably mounted on the supporting shaft 126 which has supporting 13o brackets 127 secured to the upper ends of the vertical frame bars 27a, 28a. The chains extend'outwardly from these idler sheaves and are looped around sheaves 128 at each side of the elevator frame, each of said sheaves 128 being connected indicated at 133. From the foregoing it will be seen that rotation of the wind-up shaft 122 will either take in or pay out the chains 112 and thereby raise or lower the outer portion of the elevator; it being noted that each chain'112 applies its force to the elevator at the points 128 and 133, thereby establishing in effect a resultant force which acts on the elevator at a point intermediate these two points. The adjustab-ility of the elevator effected through the chains 112 enables the outer end of the elevator to be raised or lowered for clearing load receiving trucks and wagons of different heights, and also enables the elevator to be retained in its desired angular relation to the horizontal as therear axle of the grader inclines under different operating conditions. We shall hereinafter describe the mechanism for rotating the wind-up shaft 122.

The elevator comprises two relatively foldable sections which enable the outer section to be folded upwardly for passing across narrow bridges and through other restricted spaces. The hinge line between the inner and outer sections is substantially coincident with the pivot centers 133 to which the inner ends of the chains 112 are attached. Normally the two sections are held in rigidly coextensive alignment by splice bars 135 which are bolted to the two sections across the hinge axis. To permit the outer section to be folded upwardly, it is only necessary to unbolt these splice bars and to remove short sections of the sideboards 96 directly above the hinge axis, whereupon the outer section of the elevator can be swung up to an approximately vertical position. At this time the inner section may be allowed to rest on the longitudinal brace bar 41 (Fig. 6).

A power drive is transmitted to the belt con- I veyor 94 through a drive chain 138 which extends outwardly over a sprocket wheel 139 (Fig. 1) mounted on one end of the shaft carrying the head roller 92. The inner loop of this chain passes around a sprocket wheel 141 (Figs. 3 and 4) secured to a power counter-shaft 142 suitably journaled in bearings 143. These bearings 143 are mounted on an auxiliary frame structure 144 carried by the transverse frame structure 27. The upper run of said drive chain passes over an idler sprocket 145 journaled in the outer end of a swinging link 145 and normally urged upwardly by a tension spring 145" whereby sufficient slack can be provided in the chain to accommodate the various vertical adjustments of the elevator without having the upper run of the chain sag down and become fouled with any of the other parts. The countershaft 142 is driven by a large sprocket wheel 146 secure-d thereto, over which passes a drive chain 147. The loop of this chain encircles the torque tube 21 and passes over a sprocket wheel 148 directly below said torque tube and also passes over a sprocket wheel 149 which is driven by a gasoline engine power plant 151. The sprocket wheel 148 has an anti-friction bearing mounting on a stub shaft 148' which is supported in a bearing 150 (Fig. 6) which is secured to the under side of a flange 24g projecting forwardly from the attachment bracket 24. Re-

ferring to Fig. 2, the bed of the engine is supported at one end of a bracket 25m projecting as an integral part of the attaching fin 25 (Fig. 5) and on a bracket 152 secured to the frame bar 28g, and the other end of the engine bed is supported on a similar arrangement of brackets on the attaching fin 24 and on the frame bar 27g. It will be noted that the weight of the engine serves in a counterbalancing capacity to counterbalance a part of the overhanging weight of the outer end of the elevator and the load carried thereby, and also serves to aid in holding the plow down in the ground. The location of the engine closer to the plow side of the frame is a helpful factor in the above, and its location between the vertical planes of the transverse frame structures 27 and 28 avoids twisting stresses in these frame structures. The engine is preferably housed against dirt and has a cleanerfor its air supply, etc. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, a housing 155 at the front end of the motor encloses a convenveyor with its relatively heavy loads of soil requires a considerable amount of power and it is preferable to employ a separate engine on the grader for driving the conveyor, substantially as described above, so as to relieve the tractor of this duty and enable its full power to be devoted to traction effort, particularly with a grader of large excavating capacity. However, the present construction can be quickly converted into a'type of machine where this power is derived through a power take-off attachment extending back from the tractor. It will be noted that the front supporting casting 22 is provided with a hole 157 extending longitudinally therethrough directly below the torque tube 21, and in adapting the machine to a power take-off drive an extension shaft 158 (Figs. 1 and 8) is extended through this hole and has its rear end arranged to transmit power to the large sprocket wheel 146 through a driving connection similar to the chain drive 147. In the preferred manner of effecting the conversion, the stub shaft 148 with the sprocket wheel 148 are removed by removing said stub shaft from the bearing 150, whereupon the rear end of the extension shaft'158 is seated in the bearing 150 for rotation therein.' This extension shaft carries a small sprocket wheel 159 similar to the sprocket wheel 148 for transmitting a chain drive' to the large sprocket wheel-146. This is the preferred manner of effecting the conversion but as an;

on, or through a coupled connection with the sprocket wheel 148 on the stub shaft 148', it is preferable to use a shorter chain 147 which will pass directly over the top of said small sprocket wheel 159 or 148, under the torque tube 21, and directly to the top of the large sprocket wheel 146. This is the driving arrangement adopted when the grader has no engine 151 an'd'receives all power for the elevator through the power" take-off attachment; and would also be the preferred arrangement in cases where the grader has an engine but where the power take-off attachment has been installed for an emergency situation, such as because'of failureof the engine. However, in the latter case, where the grader has an engine, and the power take-off attachment is installed for an emergency, the chain travel might be left as indicated in Fig. 3, with the run of the chain traveling from the sprocket wheel 148 up to sprocket wheel 149 normally driven by the engine 151, in which case the engine clutch within the housing'155 would be disengaged.

'The forward portion of the extension shaft 158 is journaled in a bearing 161 (Fig. 8) which is mounted on a bracket 162 adapted to be secured to the front side of the supporting casting 22. This end of the shaft has a coupling connection 158, either of polygonal formation or cured to the wind-up shaft 122.

of tapered formation with a key, for socketed engagement inone section of a universal joint 164'. telescoping shaft sections ofpolygona-l cross section, extends forwardly from this universal joint and connects with afront universal joint 166 which is in turn adapted to be connected with any conventional power take-off shaft on the tractor. It will be seen from the foregoing that our improved construction enables one fixed design of grader to be readily converted to an arrangement for driving. the elevator and adjusting mechanism from an engine on the grader, or to an arrangement for driving the elevator and adjusting mechanism from a power take-off attachment extending from the tractor; and in the former case it also enables the power take-off attachment to be readily'applied for'emergency situations in the event of engine failure. If desired, the power take-off extension shaft 158 may remain permanently assembled in graders provided with an engi'ne, for immediate emergency use.

The mechanism for vertically adjusting the plow 18 and for vertically adjusting the elevator 19 is illustrated in two embodiments-one manually actuated as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and the other power actuated as shown in Figs. 3, 4' and 7;. Referring to the manually actuated embodiment, the upper portion of the stiff leg member 82' for adjusting the plow' 1'8 isformed with rack teeth 82" along itsinner edge which mesh with a pinion 171 (Fig. 7). This pinion is secured to a longitudinallyextending shaft172 which is journaled in bearings 173- secured to the upper corners of'the' transverse frame structures 27 and 28. A yoke 174 is mounted on said shaft and carries a roller 174" at its outer end which embraces and bears against the back edge of the rack bar 82 for holding the latter in mesh with the pinion 171. Supported in convenient position' for'actuation from the operators platform I21 is a hand wheel.1'75 which is operatively connected to rotate. the shaft 172 through speed re-' ducing' gearing comprising sprockets and chains or cooperating gearswhereby the necessary mechanical advantage is'afforded for enabling the rotation of the hand wheel 175 to exert a heavy thrusting force on. the rack bar 82 to thrust the .plow into the ground or to raise it to an elevated position. Any suitable locking mechanism-may be associated with or embodied in the speed reduction mechanism 176 for holding the rack bar 82at any desired point of adjustment. The mechanism for manually adjusting the elevator 19 also comprises a hand wheel 181 suitably supported for actuation from; the operators platform. As shown in Fig. 2, this hand wheel rotates a pinion 182 which meshes with a large spur gear 183 se- Hence, rotation: of the. hand wheel 181 in one direction or the other is operative to raise or lower the elevatonand the wind-up shaft 122 may be locked with the elevator adjusted to any desired-position .by the provision of a suitable locking dog or pawl cooperating with one of the gears 182 or 183.

Referring now to the power actuated mechanism for adjusting the plow and the elevator, it will be seen from Fig. 7 that one end of the power vcountershaft 142 is provided with a sprocket wheel 187 which drives a chain 188 extending upwardly and over an upper sprocket wheel 189. Said upper sprocket is secured to a reversing gear jack shaft 191 which is rotatably supported in suitable bearings 1-92 mounted on a platform or' supporting plate 193. This supporting plate An extensible shaft 165, comprising two is secured to the transverse frame structure 27 and to a transverse frame bar 194 extending between the longitudinal bars 37, 37a. Mounted for independent rotation on said jack shaft are two bevel gears 196 and 197 which mesh with a third bevel gear 198 mounted on a stub shaft disposed at right angles to said jack shaft. stub shaft is journaled in a bearing 199 and carries a sprocket wheel 201 at its outer end. A

clutch collar 202 is splined to'the jack shaft 191 between the gears 196', 197 for shifting movement to effect clutching betweensaid jack shaft and either one of said gears selectively, as shown in Fig. 4. A shifting yoke 205 engages in an annular groove in the clutch collar for shifting the latter, and this yoke is mounted on a vertical shaft 206 suitably supported for oscillation. An arm 207 extending forwardly from, said vertical shaft is operatively connected through a link 208 with an arm 209 secured to a longitudinally extending shaft 211, the latter shaft having. suit.- able bearing support at brackets 212 secured to the front and rear frame structures 27 and 28. A control lever 214 extends upwardly from the rear end of said shaft 2l1,"in position for convenient actuation from the operators platform 121, and it will be evident that motion of said control lever in one direction or the other is operative to place the reversing gearing 1'96, 197, 198 in condition for transmitting rotation in either direction to thesprocket wheel 20 1.

A chain 216 extends from this sprocket wheel: up to a sprocket wheel 217 mounted on a transversely extending shaft 218. The. latter shaft has bearing support in a journal hub on. the outer end of a bearing arm 219', and the inner end of this shaft is adapted to transmit power to worm gear mechanism enclosed in a housing 221. Said housing is suitably supported on the transverse frame structure 27 (the bearing arm 219 projecting outwardly from said housing) and the worm wheel in said housing is operatively coupled to the wind-up shaft 122 on which the chains 112 are wound for raising the elevator. The shaft-on which the worm is mounted projects laterally from said housing in alinement with the shaft 218 and carries a jaw clutch 223 on its projecting end. A cooperating jaw clutch 224 is shiftably mounted on the shaft 218 and is shifted into and out of clutching engagement with the clutch element 223 through the actua tion of a shifting yoke 225which has operative connection with a shifting collar associated with the clutch element 224. The shifting yoke 225 tending inwardly therefrom and providing a bearing boss for the shaft 232. The worm wheel in the housing 233 is operatively connected with the shaft 172 which drives the pinion 171 serving to raise and lower the plow. Also, like theaforementioned worm gear mechanism, the shaft of I the worm projects outwardly from the housing and carries a jaw clutch element 235 which is adapted to be engaged by a cooperating jawclutch element 236 shiftably mounted on the shaft 232. Shifting of the latter clutch element is accomplished through a shifting yoke 237, having coaction with a shifting collar associated with the clutch element 236, and this yoke237 is mounted on the end of a longitudinally ex-- tending shaft 238 which has support in bearing brackets 239 on the transverse frame structures 27 and 28. An arm 241 depending from the rear end of said shaft is operatively connected through a link 242 with a control lever 243 which is pivotally supported on the frame structure 28 in convenient position for actuation by the operator standing on the platform 121. The two shifting yokes 225 and 237 are made to swing correspondingly with the rocking of the shaft 238 through a tie link 244 which is pivotally connected with both yokes. The control lever 243 plays in a slotted plate 246 and. has a detent lug 247 which is adapted to engage in any one of three notches 248, 249 or 250. When the detent is engaging in the central notch 248 both shiftable jaw clutches 224 and 236 are held in their disengaged positions whereby no power is transmitted to either of the worm gear mechanisms 221 or 233. Swinging of the lever 243 to place the detent 247 in the notch 249 is operative to shift the jaw clutch 224 into driving engagement with its companion clutch element 223, at the same time more widely separating the other two clutch elements 236 and 235. Power can now be transmitted to the worm gear mechanism 221 for rotating the wind-up shaft 122. Swinging the control lever 243 in the opposite direction to place the detent in the notch 250 is operative to swing the yokes 225 and 237 in the opposite direction for establishing clutching engagement between the clutch elements 236, 235 and more widely separating the clutch elements 224, 223. At this time power can be transmitted through the worm gear mechanism 233 to the pinion 171 for adjusting the plow 18.

It will thus be seen that by appropriately placing the lever 243, operative connections may be established for transmitting power to the windup shaft 122 or to the pinion 171, and by appropriately actuating the control lever 214 a drive can be transmitted to these devices in either direction for raising or lowering the elcvator or for raising or lowering the plow. It will be understood that the plate 246 with its notches 248-250 is only typical of different types of locking devices which may be employed.

It will be observed that the sprocket wheel 146 and its shaft 142 constitute in effect a power dlriven member which can selectively receive power either from the power plant 151 or from the power take-off attachment 164, 165, 166; 1'. e., the sprocket wheel 149 constitutes means for driving the power driven member 146 from the power plant 151; and the sprocket wheel 159 (or 148) and its shaft 158 constitute means for driving the power driven member 146 from the power take-off attachment 164-166. It will also be noted that two trains of motion transmitting parts branch from a single reversing mechanism 196, 197, 198, one to the plow and One to the elevator:the train of motion transmitting parts extending to the elevator comprises the chain 216, shaft 218, clutch 223, 224, worm gear mechanism 221, shaft 122 and chains 112; while the train of motion transmitting parts extending to the plow comprises the chain 216, shaft 229, clutch 235, 236, worm gear mechanism 233, shaft 172, pinion 171 and rack bar 82. By interposing the reversing mechanism 196, 197, 198 between the power driven member 146 and the point where the two trains of motion transmitting connections branch apart toward the elevator and toward the plow, the same reversing mechanism is operable to selectively transmit reversed directions of adjusting motion either to the elevator or to the plow.

In a machine provided with power actuated adjusting mechanism for adjusting the plow or adjusting the elevator, such as is illustrated in Figure 7, it might be desirable at times to be able to adjust either the plow or the elevator manually, as would be true if the adjustment of either of these were desired when no source of power was operative or functioning.

Figure 9 illustrates a modified arrangement by which the adjustments of the plow or of the elevator can be performed selectively either by power or by hand. The stub shaft which carries the bevel gear 198 at one end and the sprocket wheel 201 at the other end, which stub shaft is here designated 260, is provided in this modified arrangement with another bevel gear 261 mounted on the outer end thereof between the sprocket wheel 201 and the bearing boss 199. This additional bevel gear 261 meshes with a bevel pinion 262 which is rotatably mounted on the end of a shaft 263. The latter shaft is journaled in two spaced bearing brackets 264 and 265 which are secured to the platform or supporting plate 193. Between these bearing brackets the shaft 263 is provided with a spline along which slides a clutch collar 267 having jaw teeth in its front face. This clutch collar is adapted to have clutching engagement with cooperating jaw teeth in the adjacent face of a second clutch collar 268 which is freely rotatable on the shaft 263 and which has driving connection with the bevel pinion 262 through the medium of a sleeve extending from the clutch collar 268 forwardly through the bearing 264 to,

the bevel pinion 262. The rear end of the shaft 263 is connected through a universal joint 271 with a shaft 272 which extends rearwardly and upwardly, passing alongside the engine 151, and having its rear portion supported in a bearing bracket 273 which is suitably secured to one of the frame bars of the transverse frame structure 28. A hand wheel 274 secured to the rear end of this shaft 272 is disposed in convenient location for actuation by the operator standing on the rear platform 121. a point in proximity to the wheel 274, and this pull rod extends down to the clutch parts 267, 268, where it is linked to a shifting lever or yoke 278 suitably pivoted to the platform 193. This shifting lever or yoke has suitable engagement with an annular groove in the shiftable clutch collar 267, whereby upon rearward actuation of the rod 276 the clutch collar 267 is pulled out of engagement with the clutch collar 268, and on forward motion of the rod 276 the two clutch parts are cooperatively coupled. When the adjusting operations are being performed by power the clutch parts 267 and 268 are preferably uncoupled so that no motion is transmitted to the hand wheel 274. In the event that it is desired to adjust either the elevator or the plow independently of the transmission of any power to the gear set 196-198, it is only necessary to shift the clutch collar 202 of this reversing gear set into neutral position, and to couple the two clutch collars 267,

A pull rod 276 is actuatable from 268, whereupon rotation of the hand wheel 274 in wheels 16 and by the ball and socket joint 2311..

This three-point support of the frame enables the major portions of the aforesaid stresses to be borne as torsion loads on the torque tube 21.

While we have illutrated and described what we regard to be the preferred embodiment of our invention, nevertheless it will be understood that such is merely exemplary, and that numerous modifications and rearrangements of parts may be made without departing fromthe essence of the invention. 1

We claim: I 1. In an elevatinggrader, the combination of a 7 wheel supported frame comprising a substantially longitudinal torque tube-and substantially transverse frame structures rigidly secured to said torque tube at spaced points along its length, ,a grading plow disposed adjacent to one side of said frame, means operatively connecting said plow with the rear transverse frame structure at said one side, a bodily movable elevator projecting outwardly from the other side of said frame for loading the soil broken up by said plow, adjust- 35,.

able connecting means between the inner end of said elevator and the side of said frame structure adjacent said plow and adjustable connecting means between the other end of said elevator and the other side of. said frame, theysaid connecting means comprising the only weight supporting connections between the elevator and the said' transverse frame structure, said'torque tube sustaining in torsion a considerable part of the 5 stresses transmitted from said plow and from 4;

said elevator to said transverse framestructures, and substantially horizontal link connecting means between said elevator and said'frame structure for holding the elevator in lateral position: without carrying any part of theweight of thet elevator.

2. In an elevating grader, the combination of a wheel supported frame comprising a substantially longitudinal torque tube, a pair of flanged sleeves connected to said torque tube at points spaced along its length, and a pair of generallyrectangular frame structures each including horizontal and vertical frame bars and interconnected diagonal bars connected at their inner ends to the flange of the associated sleeve and disposed generally radially with respect thereto, a grading plow, means operatively connecting said plow with one of said frame structures, an elevator for loading the soil broken up by said plow, and means operatively connecting said elevator with both of said frame structures, said torque tube sustaining in torsion a considerable part of the stresses transmitted to said frame structures from said plow and from said elevator.

3.. In an elevating grader, the combination of a wheel supported frame comprising a substantially longitudinally extending torque tube, a pair of flanged sleeves rigidly and permanently secured to said tube, transverse frame structures including horizontal, vertical and diagonal frame bars connected with said sleeves, and longitudinal frame bars connected at their intermediate portionsv with the laterally outer vertical frame bars and at their ends with the ends of said torque tube, a grading plow, means operatively connectingsaid plow with one of said frame structures and an elevator connected withboth of said frame structures, and arranged to load the soil broken up by said plow, said torque tube sustaining in torsion a considerable part of the stresses set up by said plow and by said elevator.

4.,In an elevating grader, the combination of a frame comprising a substantially longitudinally extending torque tube, transverse frame structures secured to the torque tube intermediate its ends, a substantially rectangular frame structure secured to the rear end of said torque tube and including vertical bars and transverse diagonal bars connected with the vertical bars and with said tube, frame .bars connecting the lower ends of said rear vertical barsand the rear of said transversev frame structures, a grading plow, means operatively connecting said plow with said transverse frame structures, an elevator also connected with said transverse frame structures and arranged to load the soil broken up by said plow,

and-means comprising front support means and.

rear ground engaging wheels operatively connected with said rear rectangular framestructure, said torque tube sustaining in torsion a considerable part ofthe stresses set up by said rear ground wheels and said plow and elevator establishing a three-point support of said frame.

5. In an elevating grader, the combination of a frame comprising a substantially longitudinally extending torque tube, a pair of spaced transverse frame structures including vertical frame bars on each side of said tube, a rear transverse frame structure including horizontal and vertical frame bars, diagonally disposedframe bars connecting the lower portions of said rear transverse frame structure with the intermediate portion of one of said first named transverse frame structures, bracket means carried at the forward end of said torque tube, a pair of longitudinally extending frame bars connected intermediate their ends with said first named transverse frame structures and at their rear ends with said rear transverse frame structure, the forward ends of said longi tudinally disposed frame bars converging forwardly and operatively connected with said bracket means, a grading plow, means operatively connecting said plow with said frame, an elevator connected with said frame and arranged to load the soil broken up by said plow, laterally spaced rear wheels mounted on fixed axes on said rear transverse frame structure, said torque tube sustaining torsion a considerable part of the stresses set up by said plow, said elevator'and said rear wheels, a standard rigidly connected with the forward end of said torque tube adjacent said bracketthereon', a wheeled front truck, and a ball and socket joint connecting said standard with said front truck.

6. In an elevating grader, the combination of a frame comprising a substantially longitudinally extending torque tube, a pair of longitudinally spaced transverse frame structures, each of said structures including horizontal and vertical bars and interconnected diagonal bars rigidly secured to and extending inwardly toward said torque tube, the vertical bars at one side of said transverse frame structures extending to a point below said torque tube, diagonal frame members connecting the lower ends of said last named vertical frame bars with the oppositely disposed frame bars and with said torque tube, longitudinally disposed frame bars connecting the front and rear ends of said torque tube and said vertical frame bars, a grading plow disposed adjacent to one side of said frame and including a longitudinally disposed plow beam, means operatively connecting the intermediate portion of said plow beam with the forward transverse frame structure on the side opposite the longer vertical frame bar thereof, an elevator projecting outwardly from the side of said frame opposite said plow beam for loading the soil broken up by said plow, link means connecting the lower end of said elevator with the lower ends of said longer vertical frame bars, adjusting means operatively connecting said elevator with the upper ends of said vertical frame bars, said elevator extending inwardly under said torque tube to soil receiving position adjacent to said plow, a pair of rear wheels mounted on said frame, a wheeled front truck, a supporting arm depending from the forward portion of said torque tube, draft transmitting means connecting the lower end of said supporting arm with the forward end of said plow beam, and a ball and socket joint between said supporting arm and said front truck.

7. In an elevating grader, the combination of a, wheel supported frame comprising a substantially longitudinally extending torque tube and supporting means projecting from said torque tube, a grading plow disposed adjacent to one side of said frame, means operatively connecting said plow with said supporting means, an e1eva-' tor projecting outwardly from the other side of said frame and comprising conveying means for receiving the soil broken up by said plow and for conveying the same outwardly to a discharge point at the outer end of said elevator, means operatively connecting said elevator with said supporting means, said torque tube sustaining in torsion the major portion of the vertically and transversely acting stresses set up by said plow and by said elevator, and an engine mounted on said frame for driving the conveying means of said elevator and disposed to counterbalance a portion of the overhanging weight of the outer end of said elevator.

8. In an elevating grader, the combination of a frame comprising a substantially longitudinally extending central frame member, a pair of longitudinally spaced transverse frame structures rigidly secured to said central frame member and including laterally spaced vertically extending frame bars disposed on opposite sides of said central frame member, interconnected diagonal frame bars connecting said vertical bars with said central frame member, and horizontal frame bars connecting the upper ends ofsaid vertical bars, a grading plow connected with and disposed at one side of said frame, an elevator disposed transversely of said frame between said transverse frame structures, the lower end of said elevator being disposed adjacent said grading plow to receive earth therefrom, said elevator extending laterally from said frame opposite said plow, the vertical frame bars on the side of said frame from which said elevator extends being longer than the vertical bars on the opposite side of the frame adjacent which said plow is disposed, means reacting against the upper ends of the longer frame bars for supporting the major portion of the Weight of said elevator, generally horizontally disposed link means connecting the lower ends of said longer vertical frame bars with the lower end of said elevator, an engine for driving said elevator mounted on said frame on the side of said central frame member adjacent the shorter vertical frame bars, and diagonal frame members extending downwardly and laterally underneath said central frame member and connecting the lower ends of the shorter vertical frame bars with the lower ends of the longer vertical frame bars.

9. In an elevating grader, the combination of a frame comprising a substantially longitudinally extending central frame member, a pair of longitudinally spaced transverse frame structures rigidly secured to said central frame member and including laterally spaced vertically extending frame bars disposed on opposite sides of said central frame member, interconnected diagonal frame bars connecting said vertical bars with said central frame member, and horizontal frame bars connecting the upper ends of said vertical bars, a grading plow connected with and disposed at one side of said frame, an elevator disposed transversely of said frame between said transverse frame structures, the lower end of said elevator being disposed adjacent said grading plow to receive earth therefrom, said elevator extending laterally from said frame opposite said plow, the vertical frame bars on the side of said frame from which said elevator extends being longer than the vertical bars on the opposite side of the frame adjacent which said plow is disposed, means reacting against the upper ends of the longer frame bars for supporting the major portion of the weight of said elevator, generally horizontally disposed link means connecting the lower ends of said longer vertical frame bars with the lower end of said elevator, an engine for driving said elevator mounted on said frame on the side of said central frame member adjacent the shorter vertical frame bars, diagonal frame members extending downwardly and laterally underneath said central frame member and connecting the lower ends of the shorter vertical frame bars with the lower ends of the longer vertical frame bars, and means connecting said grading plow with said transverse frame structures on the side adjacent the shorter vertical bars and laterally outwardly of the engine and mounted thereon.

JAMES B. GREEN. JOHN M. RATHMELL. 

